SALT LAKE CITY, 2025-06-18 02:44:00 – The recruiting world’s spotlight shines brightly on Ryder Lyons, a five-star quarterback, as BYU football prepares to host him this weekend.
Lyons’s Decision Looms
A top quarterback prospect is weighing his options, with BYU and Oregon in the mix.
The visit comes just one week after Lyons’s official visit to the University of Oregon, intensifying the speculation surrounding his college choice. Lyons’s comment to Rivals that “It’s decision time” has further fueled the anticipation.
- Ryder lyons, a five-star quarterback, is a top prospect.
- BYU is in the running for Lyons, with the cougars hosting him this weekend.
- Lyons is considering BYU, USC, and Oregon.
Ryder Lyons, a highly touted quarterback, is the focus of intense recruiting efforts, with BYU making a strong push to secure his commitment.
Brandon Huffman, 247Sports National Recruiting Editor, believes Lyons is the best quarterback in the 2026 cycle. He discussed Lyons’s recruitment on “DJ & PK” on the KSL Sports Zone on Tuesday.
huffman stated, “I’ve said for two years that I think he’s the best quarterback in the country. I know he’s a top-five quarterback nationally.He’s the number one player in California. For my money, I will take him as the best quarterback in the country.”
Last season at Folsom High School, lyons put up notable numbers, earning him the Gatorade Player of the Year in California. The 6-foot-2.5, 215-pound prospect threw for 3,011 yards, 46 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, completing 68% of his 310 pass attempts. He also rushed for another 14 touchdowns and totaled 585 yards on 118 carries.
@ryderlyons @Klein Design #ryderlyons ♬ original sound – Ryder Lyons
Will he end up in Provo?
“It was down to BYU, USC, and Oregon,” Huffman said. “His brother (Walker Lyons) is at USC, and then he was supposed to take a visit there two weeks ago and canceled it. There’s talk that it may happen in the fall, as he’s not enrolling until 2027, there’s a little bit of flexibility. But I have maintained for a while that this was a BYU/Oregon battle.
“I have said more than anybody in the media, do not sleep and do not discount BYU’s efforts with him. And now they get their shot. They get the last visit, and they’ve got all the big guns visiting this weekend as well.”
BYU is also expected to host other uncommitted prospects, including interior offensive lineman Jax Tanner, edge rusher Prince Williams, Olympus linebacker Adam Bywater, Orem’s Lopeti Moala, and manny BYU commits, including four-star tight end Brock Harris, whom Lyons was with during his spring visit to BYU in march.
Lyons, known for his on-field talent and important social media presence, will have a challenging decision to make.
BYU was the first program to offer Lyons in December 2021, and the Cougars have prioritized him in their recruiting efforts for the 2026 cycle.
Reasons for Choosing BYU
If Lyons does choose BYU, Huffman shared his thoughts on why the Cougars could be the landing spot for the blue-chip prospect.
“I think there are a couple of reasons in play. He really likes Aaron roderick. He really likes the direction that BYU is going,” said Huffman, who has covered recruiting since 2003. “I think he has seen that after the 2024 season,where they got their feet under themselves and the way that they competed,not just in the Big 12,but as a nationally-ranked team throughout the year.
“Kalani (Sitake) is a defensive guy, and that’s always a concern when you’re a quarterback. If I go play for a defensive guy,is his focus going to be on winning the game with defense,or is he going to open up the offense? And I think that this last year with Jake Retzlaff at quarterback,they showed a penchant to be exciting on offense. I think that really answered a lot of questions.
“Obviously, having a guy like Zach Wilson go number two in the NFL draft a few years ago, having a number of quarterbacks in recent years get drafted and get the opportunity in the NFL, that helps. But it’s also the direction of the program that it’s trending up on a national scale.”
Recruiting Impact
“This could end up being the single-most significant recruit Kalani Sitake has ever gotten in his 10 years at BYU,” said Huffman. “So all eyes are on Provo, not just with BYU fans, but I would say college football fans in general are tracking this one.”
The Quarterback Whisperer: Aaron roderick’s Influence
While the buzz centers on Lyons, the impact of BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shouldn’t be overlooked.Roderick’s history of developing quarterbacks is a significant draw for recruits. His expertise is a key factor in luring top talent like Lyons to Provo.
Roderick has a proven track record of improving quarterback performance.His ability to tailor offensive schemes to fit a quarterback’s strengths is a major asset. He emphasizes fundamentals and strategic decision-making, crucial for success at the collegiate level and beyond.
Aaron Roderick’s mentorship could be a deciding factor for ryder Lyons. His influence is significant, as the offensive coordinator’s style of play and quarterback advancement is very attractive to recruits.
The offensive system planned out by Roderick is another plus for BYU. the Cougars look to balance the run and pass,which provides the best opportunity for a quarterback to succeed. Roderick’s ability to design an offense that allows a quarterback to showcase skills is an enormous draw for high-profile recruits.
Consider the case of Jacob Conover, who transferred to Arizona State. While Conover’s time at BYU did not result in any game action,his presence was meant to have a part in building the overall talent pool and to bring competition to the position. He was considered a highly touted recruit who chose BYU,in part,because of Roderick’s history of developing quarterbacks.
Scouting Ryder Lyons’s Potential
Lyons’s skillset is undeniable, marked by both physical talent and mental acuity. His remarkable statistics from Folsom High School, including throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 46 touchdowns last season, speak volumes. Yet, his ability to read defenses-and make quick, smart choices-truly sets him apart. He can create plays on the move.
Lyons complements his strong arm with the agility needed to escape pressure and extend plays. This dual-threat capability makes him even more valuable. These skills are precisely what Roderick seeks in his quarterbacks at BYU.
The offensive philosophy centers around getting the ball into the hands of playmakers. Lyons’s versatility and decision-making abilities seem perfectly aligned with the Cougars’ offensive goals.
Recruiting high-profile athletes is a chess match involving constant interaction, strategic relationship-building, and the ability to project a compelling vision. BYU has prioritized Lyons as offering him in 2021, which displays the importance of the quarterback in the Cougars’ future.
Here’s a closer look at the steps taken in the recruiting cycle, with some additional elements to understand it better:
- Early Offers and Relationship Building: The program made an early offer and cultivated a strong relationship with Lyons, his family, and coaches. This is essential for demonstrating a genuine interest and commitment.
- Official Visits: Official visits allow recruits to experiance campus life firsthand, meet with coaches and other staff members, and assess the program’s atmosphere.
- Leveraging Connections: BYU is working to leverage connections with Lyons’s brother, Walker, to create the best recruiting habitat possible.
The recruiting process is intense, requiring the commitment of coaches, staff, and even current players. the goal is to build trust and make Lyons feel like part of the team even before he commits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aaron Roderick’s coaching style impact quarterback recruiting?
Roderick’s coaching style focuses on a quarterback’s technical skills and mental processing. This approach to the position attracts recruits looking to elevate their games while preparing for the NFL.
Why does a quarterback’s offensive coordinator matter in the recruiting process?
The offensive coordinator crafts the play-calling system and acts as the quarterback’s primary coach. The coordinator’s experience and track record influence a quarterback’s development.
What are the main factors in Ryder Lyons’s decision?
Lyons will likely weigh factors such as coaching staff, offensive scheme, current players’ performance, and the overall development opportunities at each school.
How does BYU’s track record of developing quarterbacks affect recruiting?
BYU’s history of producing prosperous quarterbacks is extremely significant in the recruiting process. Players naturally want to go were they will have a chance to be successful.
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